They’re changing and testing the way the Google search shows up on a local level.

Remember, there are 3 things that comprise the Google search:

1. Google Places

2. Google Adwords

3. Google “Organic”

Right now, Google is merging Google Places with Google “Organic.” The neat thing is, on some occasions, Google “Organic” ranks BEFORE Google Places. Prior to a few weeks ago, Google Places would always come on top of Google “Organic.”

This is GREAT news if your site is highly optimized. Because if it is, you can actually show up at the very top of the Google search with a Google “Organic” listing in cities your cleaning company isn’t physically located in. With Google Places alone, you’d need to be physically located in the city you are ranking.

The bottom line: Optimization is now more important than ever. And Google Places is now more important than ever.

Get your site SEO optimized to show up on top of Google and get reviews for your Google Places profile.

Wow. it has already happened in my company’s area in Marietta/Kennesaw. From being # 1 because I just happen to be located in the center of town, I’m now bumped down to 5-7 in the organic search and no maps are showing. My competitor is once again #1 because seo is his middle name. Help! Glad I’m your client!

I am glad that google is always testing and seeking the best ways to rank searches. I think they know organic listings carry alot more weight than a location.

Jim H – look up carpet cleaning Houston in google. I would say that is a pretty competitive market since it is the 5th largest city in the US. John got Clean as a Whistle ranking #2 in just a few months.

Jim, yes, as I showed Cory in Houston last week, I’ve gotten Howard Partridge’s site to #2 in the search for Houston. As well, in the search for Portland, Oregon I’ve gotten George Grijalva of Checkmate Cleaning #1.

In addition, many other sites from big cities to small cites have ranked on the top from my service or training. Some of the companies in big cities have asked to not be identified.

Google boost is basically what I’m talking about here in this video. This is the manifestation of Google Boost.

The search for Houston shows up differently when you’re in Houston. Also, the Google Places is in the way. So it’s actually showing up #3 in the Google Organic search for me here in Pensacola, Florida.